Marriott International supports Asia’s future women leaders

As part of a global commitment to develop and empower future women leaders, Marriott International has announced a partnership to support Asian University for Women (AUW).

Starting this year the partnership will see over 50 Marriott volunteers serve as mentors to AUW students, and six AUW students will be given the chance to experience working with Marriott in Hong Kong and locations across south Asia, gaining personal experience of how the world’s largest hospitality company operates.

AUW seeks to educate a new generation of female leaders in Asia who demonstrate significant academic potential, courage and empathy for those in need and might not otherwise be able to attend university for social or economic reasons.

Peggy Fang Roe, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Marriott International Asia Pacific and Executive Sponsor of the Marriott Women in Leadership Initiative, said: “As a business that prides itself on its diverse talent, we’re honored to help the next generation of women leaders achieve their full potential.

“Having seen firsthand how the Asian University for Women transforms the lives of its students, we’re thrilled to help even more young women gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

“By working together, Marriott International and AUW aim to create a world of opportunity for Asian women on a mission,” she said.

Professor Nirmala Rao, Vice Chancellor of the Asian University for Women, said: “We are delighted to partner with Marriott International, which shares our vision for a world where all young women of promise can excel. Our students are eager to work alongside the female leaders at Marriott and learn from their experiences. Together we can help these extraordinary young women gain not only the education but the career opportunities they deserve.”

Marriott will also launch a global fundraising drive for AUW, targeting internal associates and partners. Marriott International properties across Asia Pacific will also educate customers in-room about AUW and its mission, inviting them to contribute towards its future.

As part of this fundraising drive, Marriott International supported AUW Hong Kong Support Foundation’s first benefit gala, ‘In Honor of Daughters’, at the JW Marriott Hong Kong on 13 June 2017.

Marriott International says its partnership with AUW reflects its broader commitment to enabling opportunities for women, both in and out of the workplace. Its related initiatives include the annual Women in Leadership conference and the East China Female Leaders Aspiration Program, both of which support the company’s goal to help female associates take on leadership roles.

Marriott’s Market Ambassadors program also encourages associates across 11 countries in Asia Pacific to design local Women in Leadership initiatives.

Marriott was named one of the Fortune 100 Best Places to Work For and has a critical mass of women in leadership roles throughout the globe.